Wales winger George North admits he’s relishing the chance to resume his rivalry with Australia counterpart Israel Folau as the British & Irish Lions go in search of a first series win in 16 years.
Between them, 21-year-old North and Folau conjured up three superb tries in the opening Test, providing the fireworks in a thrilling clash in Brisbane where the Lions prevailed 23-21.
In total North now has 13 international tries from his 32 Test appearances, having scored number 12 in a crucial RBS 6 Nations victory over France which put Wales on the road to retaining their title.
Brisbane marked Folau’s Test debut and just as North did when winning his first cap back in 2010, he helped himself to a pair of tries despite ending up on the losing side.
And North is only too aware of the danger presented by the former Aussie Rules and rugby league star.
He said: “Izzy is a big goose! He is a running threat, good in the air and difficult to read.
“I was very aware of his background – he is a mixed man and rugby union is a game in which so many parts of his other codes came into play.
“I was very impressed to see the way it all came together for him in the Test. Even though they have a few changes in personnel I’m sure they will attack in a similar way. There are still the same threats there with Genia, O’Connor and Beale – and Folau as well.
“We knew from previous encounters that Australia were going to bring a massive tempo to the first Test. In the first 20 minutes the boys did look around and say ‘this is pretty fast let’s keep on going and push and push’.”
